While kids are gearing up for school, the Bears are gearing up to hit the field for the 2016 season with several family-friendly events scheduled in August. The Bears continue 7UP Bears Training Camp in Bourbonnais and return home to Soldier Field Saturday for Meijer Bears Family Fest, a noon practice that includes many kid activities. Additional event details are below and can be found on ChicagoBears.com.
• 7UP Bears Training Camp – Now through August 9, watch the Bears practice at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Families can get up close to the Bears and enjoy activities just for children including a "Kids Zone," entertainment, games and more. Practice times vary. Free entry and parking.
• Meijer Bears Family Fest – Saturday at Soldier Field. Watch coach John Fox and the 2016 Bears practice in their home stadium. Outside activities begin at 9 a.m. and include fun for all ages including games, live music, giveaways and more. Gates open at 11 a.m. and practice begins at 12:40 p.m. Tickets start at just $10.
• Varsity Bears – High School Takeover – Saturday, August 20 at Warren Township High School in Gurnee. This brand new free event brings training camp on the road. Local fans will enjoy a special Bears spin on the popular high school "Friday Night Lights" tradition. Family-friendly activities begin when gates open at 3:30 p.m. with fireworks to conclude the evening. Practice is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Due to high demand and limited seating capacity, all of the free tickets that were available for the event have been distributed.
• Bears Preseason Home Games – Thursday, August 11 (vs. Denver Broncos, 7 p.m. kickoff) and Saturday, August 27 (vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Noon kickoff) at Soldier Field. Bring the kids to experience a Bears game. The game on Saturday, August 27 against the Chiefs will include outside activities for children between 9:30-11:30 a.m. Families will enjoy photo opportunities, inflatables, face painters, a video game truck, alumni autographs and more.
First-time Bears gameday attendees are encouraged to visit a Fan Services booth to get a free "My First Bears Game" decal and certificate to mark the occasion. Tickets start at just $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
Parents are also encouraged to sign up their children for the Chicago Bears Kids Club brought to you by Papa John's. It's free to join. Parents will receive Kids Club newsletters about more kid-friendly activities throughout the year. Children get exclusive access to Bears events, contests, prizes and discounts just for Kids Club members.
